Dominica: Prime Minister Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit assured the citizens to not panic, as there is no official ban on US visas have been announced for Dominica. He confirmed that they will continue diplomatic engagement to clarify concerns, as the nation is ready to address any issue in a transparent and cooperative manner.
PM Skerrit said that they are confident about the strength of the systems, in the integrity of the CBI programme and in the strong ties they have built with the international partners. He urged the residents to not stay alarmed yet stay informed.
Prime Minister Skerrit held an official press conference on June 13, 2025, at the Ministry of Finance Conference Room, which began at 11:00 a.m. The press conference was arranged as a part of ongoing commitment to engage openly and keep everyone informed on matters of national importance.
Considering this, Dr. Skerrit said that people should not panic as they have not received any official communication or message on this matter. He added that Dominica has been proactive in engaging ascertain facts and the actions which may be necessary.
The Prime Minister of Dominica said, “I assure the people of Dominica that we take the matter seriously, and the government is addressing this through appropriate diplomatic channels.”
“To Dominicans who are in possession of a US visa and have legitimate reasons to travel to United States can do so. Whether on business, study, or vacation, we are committed to protecting our national interests, the integrity of our international partnerships, and the most important rights and freedoms of the Dominican people,” said Skerrit.
PM Skerrit is confident as they are prepared to address the concerns raised by the international partners through appropriate diplomatic and cooperative means. Moreover, the government will keep the public informed as more information will be provided later.
He strongly stated, “We remain confident in our institutions, in the strength of international relations, and in our collective ability to resolve any issues that may arise. From all engagement so far, we have been able to get some information on the concerns which United States may have. One of them is illegal migration of Dominicans, who are residing in The United States beyond the legal, the illegal state.”
He also talked about the overstayed visitors and said that people who overstay on their visas in the US are raising concern, and it’s something that they need to address. And, of course, the country cooperates with those who have to be deported.
Skerrit further stated that fortunately for Dominica, they have not had any accurate numbers of deportees, so far. But they will continue to cooperate with the United States on this matter.
There are some aspects of the Citizenship by Investment programme and most of which have been addressed through the establishment of the independent regulatory authority, among the member states.
One of those concerns is that the United States has the ability, in regard to applicants, to change their names, either during the process or after the process. Furthermore, as heads of government of these countries, they have made it very clear that the provisions of legislation in this new creation will be a complete ban on the ability of any applicant to change their names.
So, once you become a citizen under the CBI programme you will not have the ability to change their names or country to benefit from the citizenship. There are some other administrative things, all of which they believe will be captured in the new legislation, which they will share with the public in the next few days.
Although there are not many things to be worried about or to be overly anxious about, there is a need for mature leadership. The things should be treated in a responsible manner, and they will continue to engage The United States in a very responsible manner.
Skerrit also added that they are not aware of anything that is beyond their ability to address, and they look forward to hearing from them officially, if at all. Because only then they will respond, in like manner, and they will keep the Dominica’s public informed.
He is well aware that there’s a lot of things being said on social media and considering them he suggested all to hear only from the government on its engagement with the US on this issue.
“We’ll be transparent with you. We’ll be open with you on this matter. Whatever information we have, we’ll share it with you,” confirmed PM Skerrit.
He said whatever actions the government will take, they will also share it with the public and will let them know what is going forward. The United States is an important partner for many reasons on cultural, economic, political, and many fronts. As per PM Skerrit it is a relationship that they are very grateful for, and they’ll continue to work on this matter.
There’s a correspondence from the Ministry of National Security and they have asked the government of Dominica to share the information with the citizens in respect to travel to the United States.
He also asked the visitors not to stay for long in the United States. He said, “if you travel to the United States and they give you six months, do not let six months on a day take you in United States.”
“You can leave before the six months, but do not over steal your visa.” The officials have also said to them to inform all citizens who are in the United States that if you are in United States and you are not legal, and you have gone beyond your stay or you got to United States for non-legal means, then you should avail yourself to the authorities, and they will facilitate your repatriation to Dominica.